Hotel Hampton fire: Firefighter in ICU, 30+ displaced, building ‘near total loss’

Over 30 people remained displaced, some were without power, and a Wilson Borough firefighter remained hospitalized Monday following a destructive fire at Easton’s Hotel Hampton.

City Fire Chief Henry Hennings reported that the boarding house at 462 Northampton Street is a “near total loss.” At the time of the fire, the building’s five stories and three rear additions were mostly occupied, with 42 of 48 rooms filled. The original structure dates back to 1900.

One of the building additions collapsed due to fire damage, and inspections are continuing into the structural integrity of the remaining rear additions that extend toward Pine Street.

Flames ignited just after 10:45 a.m. Friday, believed to have started in the basement, then spread to all floors. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by City Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Chad Gruver.

Officials believe the fire spread quickly because of the building’s balloon frame construction, a type of wood framing that can allow fire to move rapidly and remain concealed within walls. City officials had previously noted these structures “pose serious hazards due to rapid and concealed vertical fire spread.”

Firefighters needed about five hours to bring the flames under control. Most residents were able to escape on their own, while at least nine people were rescued by ground ladders on all sides of the building, according to Hennings.

Updated medical information was not available Monday for most of the nine people injured. Injuries included four firefighters, one Emergency Medical Services Technician, and four civilians. The EMT suffered smoke inhalation, officials said.

Bobby Lewullis, a career member of the Wilson Borough Fire Department, remained hospitalized Monday in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township. Wilson Borough Fire Chief Joseph Sipel said Lewullis faces a long recovery but is awake and alert, with discharge expected later this week.

Lewullis, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, declared a mayday about a half-hour into efforts to control the fire. He was searching for occupants still inside the building. While attempting to aid someone believed to be trapped on the fourth floor, Lewullis received an alert through his face mask display that he had approximately 25% of air left.

Lewullis began to descend to the third floor but became disoriented in the smoke. He found a window on the third floor and transmitted over the radio that he was running out of air. Crew members brought a ladder to the window and Lewullis was able to exit onto the ladder.

However, he fell about 20 feet while climbing down, causing injuries.

Following the fire, the additions to the rear of Hotel Hampton and the main structure itself were either gutted or collapsed.

As of Monday morning, dozens of fire victims remained at an emergency shelter set up at Alumni Hall, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, in Bethlehem Township, amid a winter snowstorm.

Cristina Maisel, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said 31 people spent the night at the shelter. An earlier shelter at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton was closed to allow the school to resume normal operations.

The Red Cross is assisting fire victims throughout the day at the shelter, offering hot meals, charging stations for cell phones, and volunteer support. “Our team is also coordinating with community partners in the Easton area to support each individual’s recovery needs,” Maisel said.

Multiple fundraisers are underway to support those affected by the fire. The Yard Foundation launched a drive to help Lewullis. The Bethlehem Fire Department’s union, IAFF Local 735, announced an additional “Fill the Boot for Bobby” fundraising event scheduled for Friday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pints & Pies, 2049 Northampton St. in Wilson.

Several city businesses are collecting clothing, shoes, duffle bags, magazines, board games, and other items to aid victims.

The United Way, in partnership with the Greater Easton Development Partnership and others, is raising funds for victims. Donations can be made online by selecting “Fire Fund,” or by check payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109, Attention “Easton Fire Fund.”

Additionally, donors can text “REBUILD” to 40403 to contribute.